16- to 18-year-old All-Stars kick off state tourney on
Saturday
Before last year, the San Benito Babe Ruth 16- to 18-year-old
All-Stars were on a more than 10-year hiatus from the postseason
picture. The league had tabled its Senior Babe Ruth circuit for
several years, leaving nary an All-Star team to compete during the
summer months.
16- to 18-year-old All-Stars kick off state tourney on Saturday
Before last year, the San Benito Babe Ruth 16- to 18-year-old All-Stars were on a more than 10-year hiatus from the postseason picture. The league had tabled its Senior Babe Ruth circuit for several years, leaving nary an All-Star team to compete during the summer months.
But following its return to the All-Star landscape last season, San Benito is seeking to tap into the successful history that has become almost synonymous with the town name emblazoned across its uniform.
“As long as they play catch and take care of the baseball, they should have no problem,” manager Justin Patton said.
San Benito compiled a 2-2 record in its first year back at the Central California State Tournament last season. Defeating Tracy and Dinuba by 6-2 and 10-6 margins, respectively, San Benito lost 22-6 to Modesto to move into the elimination bracket, where it was then downed by Tracy, 11-4.
However, playing in just its second state tournament after a decade-long break, San Benito enters this weekend’s tournament not as the favorite, but hopefully the spoiler.
With Modesto taking the team-to-beat reins – the host team has many returning players from last year’s squad that finished runner-up in the World Series – Patton feels there should be less pressure on San Benito entering Saturday’s opener.
“It’ll probably be a little bit of an advantage,” Patton said. “Hopefully, they can fly under the radar for most of the tournament and play the game they’re capable of.”
San Benito will open with Madera Saturday at Grace Davis High School in Modesto.
First pitch is at 4 p.m.
With a win, the local Senior Babe Ruth squad would advance to Sunday’s quarterfinal round against either Bullard or Modesto, while the championship final is scheduled for Wednesday.
“They’re the team to beat,” said Patton of Modesto, which dresses at least four players who compete at the junior college level. “And [San Benito’s] really looking at another shot against Modesto.”
With five returning players (Jonathan Rudolfs, Adrian Diaz, David Alvarez, Trevor Gessell, David Palermo), which Patton feels will only help San Benito improve upon last year’s state stretch, the local 16- to 18-year-old All-Stars boast a strong infield, with San Benito High School starting third baseman Tyler Provost occupying the hot corner. Coupled with Trevor Gessell at shortstop, the two will make up the left side for San Benito, while Shadoe Valenzuela at second base and David Alvarez at first complete the infield.
Adrian Diaz and David Reische will team up behind the plate.
“They should go out there and play pretty solid defense,” Patton said.
When not playing at shortstop, though, Gessell will be San Benito’s No. 1 arm atop the mound, with Anthony Alvarez filling the No. 2 spot.
Patton, though, said San Benito controls about four or five pitchers.
“We’ve only had two practices so far,” Patton said, “but the team looks pretty good. As long as they play like their capable of playing, they should be fine.”
Babe Ruth 16-18
Adrian Diaz, Jonathan Rudolfs, Eric Escalante, David Reische, Jahziel Gonzalez, Anthony Cecena, Anthony Alvarez, Shadoe Valenzuela, Derek Palermo, Trevor Gessell, Tyler Provost, Brandon Grimes, David Alvarez and Kallin Corotto. Manager Justin Patton and coach Eddie Escalante.
Where to next?
Babe Ruth 14
The San Benito Babe Ruth 14-year-old All-Stars will open the Central California State Tournament on Friday, July 24, at Madera High School.
San Benito, representing District 1, will match-up with the District 6 representative at 8 p.m.
Babe Ruth 13
The San Benito Babe Ruth 13-year-old All-Stars will open the Central California State Tournament on Friday, July 24, at Fowler High School.
San Benito, representing District 1, will match-up with the District 2 representative at 11:30 a.m.
Junior League 13-14
The Hollister Junior League All-Stars will open the Section 5 All-Star Tournament on Saturday at Willow Glen High School in San Jose.
Hollister, representing District 9, will square off against the District 39 representative at 1 p.m.
American 11-12
The Hollister American 11- and 12-year-old All-Stars will open the Section 5 All-Star Tournament on Saturday at Tri-Cities Little League’s Wilson Park in Cupertino.
Hollister American, representing District 9, will open the tournament against the District 12 (Saratoga) representative at 2 p.m.
National 9-10
The Hollister National 9- and 10-year-old All-Stars will open the Section 5 All-Star Tournament on Saturday at Santa Cruz Little League’s Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz.
Hollister National, representing District 9, will match-up against the District 39 representative at 3 p.m.
